Everyone loves to see new, original games announced. Yet the gaming industry has been built on the backs of large franchises. After all, where would games be without the likes of Mario and The Legend of Zelda? 2027 looks to be a big year for big franchises, in particular.
Many of the most popular series release new installments. In some cases, it comes after a long period during which the series has been dormant, adding to the tension. Here are the biggest franchises that have new releases in 2027.
Like A Dragon Series – Stranger Than Heaven
If you're a Like A Dragon fan, you'll never really have to wait that long for a new entry in the series, as there's been at least one every year since 2023. However, the 2027 Like A Dragon game isn't actually called Like A Dragon. It's called Stranger Than Heaven, and for a while it wasn't clear if it was even part of the series or just another action-adventure game from RGG Studio.
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However, it has since been confirmed to be part of the same universe. Still, it's unclear how much of a connection this game has to the rest of the series. After all, it features a new protagonist in Makoto Daito, who is trying to find a new life in Japan.
Tomb Raider series – Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst
The Tomb Raider series returns with a bang in the form of two new action-adventure games in the series. One of them is not stamp new; it is a remake of the original Tomb Raider game, titled Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. When it comes out on February 12, it will be the first release in the Tomb Raider series since the Tomb Raider 4-5 collection in 2025.
The last main game that wasn't a remake or remaster was Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018. However, in 2027 we get another new Tomb Raider title called Tomb Raider: Catalyst. So it could be a good year for Tomb Raider fans.
Metro Series – Metro 2039
The last main game in the Metro series was Metro Exodus 2019. The post-apocalyptic FPS series will return in February 2027 thanks to Metro 2039. In the series, people live in the Metro tunnels under Moscow due to the nuclear war that happened many years before.
This time it's a man named Hunter, who leads underground people with questionable methods. You don't play as him though; you control a former exile returning to the underground. The game promises to deliver another compelling adventure.
Fable Series – Fable
Fable is a series that has been dormant for a long time. The last Fable game of any kind was 2017's Fable Fortune, and it was a free-to-play collectible card game. You have to go all the way back to 2010's Fable 3 to find a true Fable title.
That means the 2027 Fable game is a long time coming. Like the original entries, it's an action RPG, set in a fantasy world where you play as a hero of some kind. The kind of hero you will become depends on the choices you make.
Final Fantasy Series – Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
2027 will finally see the conclusion of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy that began in 2020. We've had the first Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and now Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. This one revolves around Cloud and the gang trying to stop Sephiroth's plans.
As with the other two, Revelation is an RPG, with real-time combat. It looks like the game will be completely open-ended, with you flying around in a ship and jumping down to the ground when needed.
Pokemon Series – Pokemon Winds and Waves
The Pokemon franchise feels like it's been around forever at this point. Still, there's no end in sight, as another main entry in the series is scheduled for release in 2027. The last one was Pokemon Legends: ZA, which came out in 2025, so it hasn't been a long wait for fans of the series.
Not much has been revealed about the new game yet. But we do know it's set in a tropical location and it introduces the tenth generation of Pokemon. That's enough to get excited about.
Spyro Series – Spyro: A Realm Beyond
For a while it felt like Spyro was gone forever. The series was released consistently from 1998 to 2008, then the purple dragon disappeared for ten years. However, he eventually returned for Spyro Reignited Trilogy in 2018, which was a collection of remakes of the original games.
Now he will return again in 2027 in Spyro: A Realm Beyond. This new game promises to put more emphasis on the protagonist's flying abilities. He has always been able to jump and slide, but now he should be able to float. Since it's a 3D platformer, he can probably still jump too.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse Series – Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
The Dragon Ball series has spawned many games, including sub-series such as Dragon Ball Xenoverse. The first Xenoverse game was released in 2015, while the second came in 2016. Since the first two were released so close together, you might have given up on a third game after ten years without one.
However, in 2027 another Xenoverse game will arrive. The first two games revolved around your own character stopping evildoers from messing with the Dragon Ball timeline. Details are limited on this new game so far, but it's expected to be another action RPG where you control a custom character.
Resident Evil series – Resident Evil: Veronica
You never have to wait very long for a new Resident Evil game these days. There is either a new part or remake almost every year. In 2027, it's time for another remake in the form of Resident Evil Veronica, which is the new version of the 21st century Code: Veronica.
Claire Redfield returns to the lead role as she searches for her brother Chris, a few months after the events of Resident Evil 2. Considering how Capcom has handled their RE remakes, this new game is likely to be quite different from the original.
Xenoblade Chronicles Series – Xenoblade Genesis
2026 is big for Xenoblade Chronicles fans due to the release of all the main series releases on Nintendo Switch 2. 2027 will be even better as there will be a brand new Xenoblade game called Xenoblade Genesis.
Not much has been revealed about the title so far, but it seems that your character attends a school to learn and improve their special abilities. Of course, this won't just be a school simulator. There will surely also be a lot more going on in the story.
